Don’t assume they know. Tell them!

Don’t you just love it when you can see the lightbulb come on in others?

Recently, I had a conversation with one of our senior leaders and they were talking extensively about servant leadership and the importance of it in our business. As I then sat through several meetings after that, I was very keen in my observations of those leading and participating.

What did I see? That we need more servant leadership. We need to lose the egos and practice some humility. We need to stop working in silos. We need to be inclusive of other perspectives. We need to be respectful of people’s time and opinions. We need to champion and challenge each other. We need to get away from what’s most important to MEand put others and the good of the organization first. We need people to realize that ‘how’ we get there is just as important as getting there (if not more so).

In listening to Walmart CEO, Mike Duke, over the last few years he has been very clear that servant leadership is an attribute and behavior expected from our leaders at all levels. So why is it that this message isn’t always filtering down or demonstrated?

Then I remembered one of Tim Yatsko’s (EVP @Walmart) favorite Don Soderquist (former COO @Walmart) quotes, “Don’t assume they know. Tell them.” While this is a paraphrase and Don was referring to Integrity – I think the theme of the message is equally relevant here. Maybe their leaders, mentors, and peers aren’t telling them. Or holding them accountable to it.

So, I am telling you. Be a good servant leader. 🙂

If you become known for this throughout your organization, I guarantee you that your career will blossom and flourish.

Servant Leadership is one of those topics that should be a regular course of conversation, because it’s important! And not just at work, but in life in general. It’s not something that we turn on and off. It’s something that permeates who you are and is reflected in your thoughts, words, and actions.

I realize that we all have different aspirations, styles and ambitions in life, but my personal experiences have led me to the truth that I am most fulfilled and accomplish the most when I am able to help or serve others.

If servant leadership is a new concept to you or is something you don’t understand, feel free to reach out to me, your mentors, or your leaders and inquire. This is one of those “journey” things. We all have to start somewhere. Once we start, we find that there is always more to learn. And the people that care about your growth and development should be happy to help you on your journey. 🙂

Special note for leaders: Teach. Teach servant leadership. In your words. In your actions. Talk to your teams about it. Don’t assume they know. Expect it from the leaders on your team, whether up-and-coming or seasoned. Hold them accountable to it. Teach them to teach it. If you want to leave a mighty legacy – invest this in others.

If you take anything away – let it be this –> Be a good servant leader.